Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is privately accepting that a deal to bring Tommy Doyle back from Manchester City is looking more and more difficult.
The Blades are expected to ask City about bringing back both Doyle and fellow loan star James McAtee. However, with PL rules dictating only one loan can be done between United and City, the chances of getting both appear slim.
And according to the Sheffield Star, Heckingbottom has concerns about the chances of doing a deal for Doyle.
Sheffield United could struggle to sign Tommy Doyle
The Star reports that Heckingbottom has private concerns due to City’s negotiating position.
The Premier League winners are believed to be open to selling Doyle. However, they want what’s deemed an acceptable offer and further, want a buy-back clause inserted into any transfer.
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That brings two problems for the Blades. One comes in the form of the actual bid needed. The Blades are believed to be working within a £20m budget. Doyle’s signing is likely to take up most of that.
The buy-back also brings issues for United. The club won’t want to be tied into losing one of their top players as soon as he has a good season. However, United could bend on that one, if a deal to bring Doyle in is there to be done.
Sheffield United News View: Doyle a priority
Most Sheffield United fans would love to get Tommy Doyle back. And that’s given the option of getting him or McAtee.
In the Premier League, United aren’t going to have the same amount of ball as they did in the Championship. With that, Doyle’s signing becomes more important.
Of course, the Blades also need difference makers in the final third. McAtee is a player who ticks those boxes, while Carney Chukwuemeka has also been linked.
Either way, if a permanent deal for Doyle is there to be done for say, £8-10m, then Heckingbottom might be tempted.
And if he can convince City to lend us McAtee again as well, then it’s a winner all around.
